Hydrological constraints on rare earth elements dynamics in the regolith-plant continuum

Stable isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen (O18 and 2H) are the most common tools applied in eco-hydrology to trace water pathways but that present limitations when used to recognize the water source(s) uptaken by trees. This project aims to use rare earth elements (REE - i.e. the Lanthanides series and the Yttrium) as tools to trace water fluxes in the regolith-plant continuum, overcoming those issues related to the sole use of water stable isotopes.